The Democratic Primary in Queens was the feature election at the end of June.

Through mid-June, special elections in 2019 were discouraging. Republicans flipped Democratic seats early in the year. Democratic victories and losses were trailing results in previous statewide and national elections. Not by much. The mixed results continued through June. There were positive signs. Democrats showed up. Losing races respectably for state legislative seats where there had been no Democratic opposition for years. A Progressive Mayor (running as an Independent) was reelected as he defeated a Republican in San Antonio.

Here is a trend to watch. A giant sign of change in the Democratic Party and the country’s values. Lori Lightfoot, a gay woman, was elected mayor of Chicago in April. Jolie Justus, a gay woman, was elected Mayor of Kansas City in June. Tiffany Caban, a gay 31 year old woman endorsed by AOC, Bernie, and Liz appears to have been elected District Attorney in Queens, defeating the Borough President Melinda Katz. Not long ago, Queens was the most conservative borough of New York City, excluding Staten Island. Queens may still be the most conservative borough of New York City. Nevertheless, in November, Queens will almost certainly elect Tiffany Caban DA, a candidate who has considered arresting ICE workers if they come looking for the undocumented in New York courtrooms.